Excited Tyler Bleyendaal ready for Munster debut against Grenoble

Having kicked his heels in frustration for the last 12 months as he recovered from a serious neck injury, 25 year-old New Zealander Tyler Bleyendaal is finally ready to make his first appearance in front of the Munster supporters when he lines out against French club Grenoble in this evening’s pre-season friendly at Thomond Park.

Bleyendaal has come highly recommended from Christchurch and Canterbury rugby (the home of Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter, among others) and that’s the main reason why so much is expected of him whether he plays at out-half or first centre. For now, he has nothing but Munster on his mind but that doesn’t mean he has ruled out wearing the All Black jersey at some future point.

“I have all options available to me still,” he explains. “I decided opportunities awaited. I had never been to Europe and this was a good chance to see a different part of the world. Munster as a club has a lot of history. They are very successful and it is a great opportunity. I am hoping I can get some opportunity here myself and contribute to the team.”